Bhutan remains one of our all time favourite countries that we have ever visited.
While Paro is the more visited of the two main cities due to both the airport and Paro Taktsang (the Tiger’s Nest) being located there, we preferred Thimphu. We want you to love Thimphu as much as we do, so we are sharing all the best places to visit in Thimphu to make it an unforgettable experience.
We were blown away by how many different kinds of Thimphu tourist places were available. Whether you’re interested in the history of Tashichho Dzong, want to marvel at the majesty of Buddha Point, geek out over stamps at the Bhutan Postal Museum, shop for souvenirs at Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, hike Tango Monastery or just eat ALL THE FOOD, Thimphu has it all. It even has our top recommended place to visit in Bhutan!
There really is something here for any kind of traveller: culture, food, the outdoors, shopping, chilling out and – our speciality – dark tourism! And yes, I did cheat; a few of these places aren’t in Thimphu, but they’re quick and easy half-day trips (all within a 30 minute drive of Thimphu City)!
Bhutan is an extremely off the beaten path destination. We were very fortunate to be able to visit while my mother was living there and therefore bypass all the extra fees associated with travel to Bhutan, and to see a side of it many tourists never get to. Don’t get me wrong, we still had to jump through a few hoops, and our India-Bhutan border crossing was no easy feat, but it was much cheaper for us than the average American/British traveller in Bhutan. If we could afford to go back, we would do so in a heartbeat.
So, without further ado, here are all our favourite Thimphu attractions.
Things to do in Thimphu for Cultural Tourists
If you are a cultural heritage geek like me, then Bhutan will be a dream come true – and the capital is a great place to start your search for points of interest. One thing I love about the cultural Thimphu attractions is how educational they all are, buuuuut, if that’s not your jam, then they’re also just pretty to look at. There are so many Thimphu tourist places that focus on the city and the country’s cultural preservation that I promise you won’t be bored!
Textile Museum
The Textile Museum is a part of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, so you know they take their textiles seriously!
On display are traditional wedding clothes of the 4th Dragon King (Jigme Singye Wangchuck) and his four wives, and several textiles (clothing, weavings, etc) belonging to different generations of the royal family. Over the four floors of exhibitions, visitors can also learn about different weaving techniques, the significance of textiles in Bhutanese culture, and, of course, traditional dress in Bhutan.
There is just so much here to enjoy, so I highly recommend you visit. Far and away one of our top recommendations for places to visit in Thimphu!
Pro tip: If you have time, we highly recommend going into a fabric shop to get some materials and having something personal made. It is incredibly affordable and Bhutanese textiles are gorgeous, so you will treasure it forever!
Folk Heritage Museum
The Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu is one of the city’s top attractions, and for good reason! The purpose of this museum is to educate visitors on the heritage and culture of the Bhutanese people.
At the Folk Heritage Museum, visitors will learn about everything from rural Bhutanese homes and agricultural tools to religious rituals and practices. The museums covers the past 100 years of history in Bhutan and showcases a myriad of utensils and devices. There’s even a section on how Ara, a local alcohol, is produced!
After you’ve had your fill of cool history facts, make sure to stop in the Folk Heritage Museum’s restaurant for a mouthwatering traditional Bhutanese meal.
FYI: No photos are available inside of the Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu.
Bhutan Postal Museum
In case it hasn’t come up before, we’re huge geeks. And one of the things that I in particular like to geek out over is stamps. I’ve visited several philately museums over the years, and the Bhutan Postal Museum is definitely top notch. In fact, it’s one of my favourite Thimphu tourist places.
What’s so cool about this museum? Bhutan prides itself on their unique stamps, and over the years they have produced some of the most beautiful stamps I’ve ever seen. Even if you’re not into stamps, I guarantee you’ll be at least a little impressed.
The Bhutan Postal Museum also explores the development of the postal system, and consequently communication services, throughout Bhutan’s past. There are tales of legendary messengers who traversed the Bhutanese mountains, and old postal service vehicles on display. Afterwards, you can buy some stamps for yourself (told you this was one of the coolest places to visit in Thimphu), or have a hot beverage in the adjoining cafe.
I honestly don’t think any Thimphu sightseeing itinerary is complete without a trip to the awesome Bhutan Postal Museum. It’s a real highlight!
National Library of Bhutan
Established in 1967, the goal of the National Library of Bhutan is to preserve the literary heritage of Bhutan. It also aims to make that heritage available to all Bhutanese people, regardless of where they are in the world.
If you’re a fan of beautiful libraries and books from around the world, you can arrange for a tour of the library to learn all about Bhutan’s rich literary history. There are some old texts on display, and well as the largest book in the world (authenticated by the Guiness Book of World Records). Bet you didn’t think you’d find that in Thimphu, did you?
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
I absolutely love watching stuff get made, so this was a real treat. If you are also interested in Thimphu tourist places that cater to this level of geekiness, I highly recommend a visit and tour through the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory!
So, what do they do?
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory specialises in a traditional Bhutanese paper known as Deh-so. The techniques of Deh-so have been passed down for generations, and is a protected art form in Bhutan. This type of paper was originally used by monks for woodblocking and manuscript and prayer books. The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory utilises two types of tree bark species – the Dhekap and the Daphne – to create their beautiful paper.
Visitors can experience the entire paper-making process at Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, from soaking and boiling to pressing and drying.
Don’t forget to pick up some keepsakes for yourself – or friends and family – in the giftshop. Items available include notebooks, greeting cards and even chili-embedded sheets of paper. There are also various paintings (on their Deh-so paper) available, which are pretty affordable and unique.
Choki Traditional Art School
A visit to Choki Traditional Art School was hands down one of the best things we did in Bhutan, and something we recommend everyone do. If you’re interested in places to visit in Thimphu that are working to conserve the country’s cultural heritage, Choki Traditional Art School is the place for you! In my opinion, this is the best place to visit in Bhutan for anyone who loves art, culture and cultural heritage. It’s also a great place to snap up some souvenirs.
The school was established in 1999 with the mission of preserving the cultural heritage of Bhutan. The students are taught everything from traditional woodcarving to weaving to Thangka painting. Although the students specialise in one area, many dabble in different subjects throughout their studies.
If you’ve seen any building in Bhutan and thought, ‘wow, that’s stunning!’ (and you have, because they literally all are), then you need to visit Choki and see these amazing artists in action!
Choki Traditional Art School is a little ways outside of Thimphu, and you need to make an appointment to visit ahead of time (contact info here).
Thimphu Tourist Places for Hiking
Bhutan is basically heaven on earth for outdoor lovers, and so one of the best things to do in Thimphu is get out and explore nature. However, do keep in mind that Bhutan’s altitude can make basic activity feel strenuous. We were in Bhutan for nearly 3 weeks and Jeremy was just starting to adjust!
Admittedly, we’re not the biggest hikers, so these are all entry level, er, walks. But if you want beautiful scenery and a bit of exercise, here are a few of the best places to go in Thimphu to stretch your legs!
Tango Monastery
As a precursor for our Tiger’s Nest trek, we decided to spend a morning hiking up to Tango Monastery and having a look around.
Tango Monastery is one of the most significant religious sites in Bhutan, making it a popular spot for sightseeing in Thimphu for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
First built in the 13th century, Tango Monastery was remodelled in 1688, and remains in this iteration today. It is rumoured that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the monastery in 1616 and meditated in a neighbouring cave. Today, the Tango Monastery is used to train important Bhutanese Buddhist leaders, before they spend 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days at nearby Cheri Monastery.
Fun fact: In Dzongkha (Bhutanese language) ‘tango’ means horse!
Cheri Monastery
Cheri Monastery is another one of Thimphu’s points of interest for hiking enthusiasts. Cheri Monastery, also called Chagri, is a beautiful Buddhist teaching monastery 30-40 minutes drive from Thimphu. And, like every single building in Bhutan, Cheri Monastery is beautiful.
The walk up is fairly entry level, so even if you’re as out of shape as us, you’ll be fine. We even made a dog pal while we walked! Once at Cheri Monastery, we were lucky to get a tour from one of the monks (supposedly it is possible to meditate with them if this interests you). From the windows, you can also get some amazing views overlooking the valley.
Cheri Monastery is an old building, having been built in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal. Ngawang Namgyal was the first Zhabdrung (important lama) and the unifier of Bhutan. Since it was built, Cheri monastery has been visited by many significant Buddhist monks and leaders.
Pro tip: Cheri and Tango monastery are very similar, and you do not really need to do both unless you are a monastery enthusiast, or just really love hiking. BUT! Whichever hike you take, don’t forget to say a prayer at the Guru Rinpoche Rock (pictured above) on the way up – he is considered good luck! Many Bhutanese students come to the rock to pray for good grades before exams.
Kuenselphodrang Nature Park
Kuenselphodrang Nature Park is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering through the country’s gorgeous outdoors. Nestled around the iconic Buddha Point, the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park officially opened in 2011 and includes 944 acres of protected forested land.
If you’re keen on a Thimphu sightseeing outing that includes fantastic views of the city, Kuenselphodrang has some of the best landscape shots available.
Pro tip: Bring a snack or packed lunch and enjoy a picnic (there are benches) overlooking the city – and Buddha Point!
Motithang Takin Preserve
Okay, so hike is a stretch; it’s a mild incline and you walk around a section of enclosure. But you know what? It’s outdoors and, due to the altitude, any kind of walking can feel like work for most visitors.
Nevertheless, the Takin Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu for animal lovers.
Don’t know what a takin is?
Takins are the national animal of Bhutan and consequently rather revered in Bhutan (they actually have their own distinct species). According to legend, the beloved Tibetan monk, Drukpa Kunley, was asked to perform a miracle. At a feast he collected the leftover bones of goats and cows, assembled them and brought his creation to life, thus creating the takin.
They are an endangered species and the Motithang Takin Preserve works hard to protect them. Sadly in 2015/2016 over half the herd died when their normal feed was discontinued and the new batch made many of them ill. When we visited, this was on the upturn, but it has contributed to an increase in visitor fees and extra safety precautions for the takin. Although I think the takin are pretty cool, this is definitely one of the less popular tourist attractions in Thimphu.
Pro tip: In addition to seeing the takins, you can also buy a traditional Bhutanese scarf from local weavers. Jeremy still has his!
More Thimphu Sightseeing Points of Interest
Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma)
The large golden statue at Buddha Point is one of the most impressive places to visit in Thimphu. If you think the outside is stunning, just wait until you go inside the Buddha! Most of the walls and banners are painted gold, while the ceilings are decorated with intricate and colourful mandala paintings. Some of the walls are lined with thousands of little golden Buddhas, and in the centre is a larger Buddha (but much smaller than the one outside) where visitors can pay their respects.
When we visited, we were fortunate to see a woven Thangka on display inside, which is incredibly unique (most are painted). The Thangka was truly breathtaking, and I felt a little humbled just being able to see it. While the Thangka is not always on display, Buddha Point is still one of the most beloved Thimphu attractions for a reason!
A giant gold statue on top of a mountain with lovely views – what more could you ask for, really?
Be aware: There is absolutely NO photography permitted inside of the Buddha.
Thimphu Handicraft Market
If you are headed to the Textile Museum or Bhutan Postal Museum, you can’t miss the Thimphu handicraft market! The market stalls line the street for a good mile and are full of bright, colourful, beautiful works of art. You can find any kind of Bhutanese craft here from woodwork to penis keychains and everything in between!
(In case you’re wondering: Bhutan has a famous monk who was obsessed with phallic symbols, so yes, this is a totally legit cultural item!)
We’re not big shoppers, but one of our favourite things to do in Thimphu was wander around the market and look for artwork. The stall attendants are all incredibly friendly – many asked us to stay for a chat and offered us snacks and butter tea – and while some of the items get semi-repetitive subject-matter-wise, we never got tired of looking at it all.
Pro tip: DO NOT HAGGLE. The prices in Bhutan are set and there are four tiers: Bhutanese, tourist, foreign resident and Indian prices (these are actually just the same as foreign resident prices, but they expect haggling, so it starts off higher for this reason). Bartering is fairly common in most of Asia, especially neighbouring India, and so while the Bhutanese are used to it, and will engage, it is considered disrespectful. If the price they give you is out of your price range, then it isn’t for you, sorry. The craftsmanship in Bhutan, on average, is out of this world, so you get what you pay for.
Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong overlooks the Wang Chhu River, just outside of the Thimphu city limits. It is an impressive building, having served as the seat of the government since 1952.
However, the building’s history is much older than that. Tashichho Dzong was first built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa higher up the Thimphu valley. But in 1641, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal decided a larger dzong was required and the ‘lower dzong’ was built. Sadly, in 1771, the original Tashichho Dzong was demolished in a fire, and everything that remained was moved to the ‘lower dzong’ which saw countless renovations and expansions over the next hundred years.
The new Tashichho Dzong suffered further tragedy in 1897 when it was severely damaged by an earthquake. Repairs took five years to complete, but it has remained intact since.
A Dzong is a specific type of architectural building found in Bhutan and Tibet. In Bhutan they are used as administrative, military, religious, and social centres of their district.
Clock Tower Square
The Clock Tower Square is one of the most happening places to visit in Thimphu. Well, sometimes. It does have its quiet periods, but it’s nice to come and admire the clock tower, anyway. There’s also a lovely view of the mountains in the background.
One reason the Clock Tower Square is considered to be a top tourist spot in Thimphu is because the eponymous clock tower is a very important attraction. The tower has four clock faces inlaid in traditional Bhutanese dragon artwork. The clocks were gifted to the Dragon King by a Swiss friend. Nearby is a prayer wheel and fountain.
Lining the square are shops and cafes, so on a sunny day, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat and watch the Clock Tower Square fill up with people. While we were there, we sometimes saw students playing guitar on the steps.
Everything closes at 8PM, though, so visiting after that might feel a bit eerie.
Pro tip: Right across the street is the previous location of Bhutan’s only traffic light. It was installed for just 24 hours, before being removed and re-replaced with a policeman. Bhutan is the only country in the world – and Thimphu once again the only capital city – without a single traffic light.
Dochula Pass
Although not located in the city, one of the most popular things to do in Thimphu is take a day trip to Punakha via Dochula Pass. The pass is along the highway, about 30 minutes from Thimphu, right next to the Royal Botanical Garden (below), and on the way to Punakha (2.5 hours). As it is located high up in the Himalayas, it offers great panoramic views of the mountains.
There aren’t many places to visit in Thimphu for dark tourists, so for our fellow dark tourists out there, a day trip to Dochula Pass is a must. Although to be honest Dochula Pass shouldn’t be missed regardless, since it has fantastic views.
In addition to the views, the pass is adorned with 108 memorial chortens (called the 108 Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens). These commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who died during the 2003 armed conflict against insurgents from Assam, India.
FYI: If travelling on to Punakha, you will need permission from the government. This can be arranged by your tour guide, but make sure you bring your passport!
Read More: What is Dark Tourism and Why Does it Matter?
Royal Botanical Garden
On the day we visited the Royal Botanical Garden it was throwing it down with rain and we could barely see two feet in front of us. But luckily my mother had some photos we could use to show how pretty it is and well worth a visit – if you manage to not visit during a thunderstorm!
The garden opened in 1999 and aims to promote floral biodiversity, conservation and propagation within Bhutan.
Pro tip: To get the most out of this beautiful Thimphu attraction, visit during the spring and try to catch the Rhododendron festival!
Royal Thimphu College Campus
It may seem like an odd suggestion to add a visit to a college campus to your list of sightseeing in Thimphu, but it’s not that weird. My mother lived and worked on campus, so this was where we spent our free time and I can definitely say that the Royal Thimphu College (RTC) is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu if you’re looking for stunning mountain views!
Apparently there are semi-regular tours that go to the campus to show visitors around, or it can be arranged through your tour operator. While there, you can check out the facilities, take a walk around the forested area surrounding the campus, or maybe make friends with some Bhutanese students.
National Memorial Chorten
NOT to be confused with the memorial chortens at Dochula Pass! The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 in honour of the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. He was responsible for opening Bhutan up to the rest of the world (albeit still minimally), modernising the country and encouraging steps towards democratisation.
The structure is also dedicated to world peace, and has become one of the most significant religious sites in Thimphu. Locals visit throughout the day to pay respects and worship. Although tourists are welcome to visit, it is requested that you do not visit at night as this period is for devotees.
Places to Visit in Thimphu for Delicious Food (and drink)
I fell head over heels in love with Bhutanese cuisine. As soon as I found out that the Bhutanese consider chilis a vegetable and not a spice, I was all in. I’m even kind of a fan of yak’s cheese, which apparently no one else likes. The Bhutanese have totally unique cuisine from their neighbouring countries, while also sharing many similar dishes. As a Buddhist country, Bhutan is super vegetarian friendly (in fact, no animals can be killed in Bhutan for consumption – but meat is still readily available and in many local dishes). You might struggle as a vegan, though. Here are some of my top places to check out in Thimphu if your stomach is rumbling!
Wangchen Momo Corner
Jeremy got sick of momos pretty fast, but I loved them. In case you don’t know, a momo is a steamed dumpling filled with meat or veggies. They traditionally come from Tibet, but are found across the subcontinent. In Bhutan there are mainly two kinds: cheese and beef. But the best part is that they come with this absolutely amazing chili sauce called ezay for dipping.
Although commonly found in parts of India and Nepal, I honestly don’t remember ever eating them when we lived in India (or visited Nepal). But I made up for lost time while we were in Bhutan, and wound up having them as a snack nearly every day.
You can find momos almost anywhere in Bhutan, but this is a local favourite if you need somewhere to start.
Centenary Farmers Market
Where better to find fresh fruit and vegetables than the farmer’s market? Experience a bit of local life, buy some Bhutanese spices (I literally bought about 2 pounds of chili flakes), local cheese or just good old fashioned fresh fruit. The Centenary Farmers Market is one of the best places to visit in Thimphu if you want to get a feel for everyday Bhutanese life, and of course for the food!
If you’re wondering what the red substance is that many Bhutanese chew, this is betel nut. If you are trying betel nut chew, you can also purchase some at the farmer’s market and get a primer on how to use it.
For the cultural experience, I also recommend giving hard yak’s cheese a go. Just beware: you will be chewing it for awhile!
Pro tip: There is also a weekend market across the river on, you guessed it, weekends. They sell everything from local sweets to textiles!
Sinchula Indian Restaurant
I am a superfan of Indian food. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the second best cuisine on the planet (Bhutanese is the first, obviously), and since it’s more widely available than my first choice, it’s my go-to. But I digress.
Indian food is amazing, and I couldn’t be so close to India and not have at least some Indian food – after all, I needed my fix, Indian food in the UK is awful (#sorrynotsorry). Well, Sinchula, also called Masala Junction, did the trick. It was scrumptious and authentic and that’s all I want, really.
Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
I talked more about the museum part of the Folk Heritage Museum in Thimphu up above, but now let’s focus on the restaurant. As part of this awesome cultural experience, visitors can opt for a traditional Bhutanese meal. We got all vegetarian options, but I’m fairly certain there are meat options available because I seem to remember Jeremy eyeing them up. I can’t remember everything we ordered, but there was definitely some khur-le (buckwheat bread), ezay, either ema datshi or kewa datshi and some red rice. The portions are immense and we ate it all!
Ama Restaurant
This is the first place we went in Thimphu for Bhutanese food and it was glorious. This is where I fell head over heels in love with the Bhutanese dish datshi. It is truly delicious!
Datshi comes in many forms. As a vegetarian, I ate three different kinds while in Bhutan (Jeremy isn’t really a fan of spicy food, so I can’t weigh in on if the meat versions are any good), and they were all amazing.
Ema datshi is the national dish of Bhutan, and it is EVERYWHERE. As previous mentioned, the Bhutanese consider chilis to be a vegetable, and this is never more apparent than in ema datshi, which combines ema (chilis) with datshi (cheese) and butter to make a kind of spicy cheese curry. It is served with rice, normally red rice.
Other variations include kewa (potatoes), shamu (mushrooms – my second favourite), and shakam (dried beef) .
Ambient Café
We love a good hang-out spot and Ambient Café hit the mark. We enjoyed sipping our hot drinks, reading our books and appreciating the, um, ambiance. The chill vibe that permeates all of Bhutan was definitely present, although it was kinda weird that nearly everyone else there was white. They have a book exchange and the drinks were good, though! But if you’re interested in meeting other travellers or talking to foreigners living in Bhutan, Ambient is certainly one of the best places to visit in Thimphu to do so!
The cafe also serves food, but we opted for just drinks (fresh juice for me, coffee for Jeremy).
FYI: Internet is available at the cafe, but internet in Bhutan works based on gigabytes used, so please be respectful and do not download or watch anything otherwise there won’t be any left!
The Season’s Pizzeria
I honestly don’t think I could ever get sick of Bhutanese food, but I was travelling with Jeremy (who definitely wanted a change) and visiting my mother who was living in Bhutan, so it wasn’t all about me.
If you find yourself craving something different, or are specifically in the mood for pizza, The Season’s Pizzeria (Season’s as it’s sensibly called locally) serves up the best pizzas in Thimphu, if not all of Bhutan. There are a wide variety of both veg and non-veg options and everything is baked fresh.
Ser Bhum Brewery
The Ser Bhum Brewery was the first craft Brewery in Bhutan. While there is now the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro, I believe this is still Thimphu’s only craft beer brewery. Phew, that was a lot of the word brewery!
Ser Bhum translates to “golden vase” which is one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism (Ashtamangala). These are incredibly popular in Bhutan and can be found all over monasteries, prayer wheels, dzongs and even everyday buildings (because everything is a freaking work of art in Bhutan).
The brewery’s ethos is the create craft beer that symbolises Bhutan, which is why in addition to the company name, all of the beers are named after things that represent Bhutan. There are currently three craft beers available: Bhutan Glory amber ale, Dragon Stout and Ser Bhum (Indian Pale Ale), which can all be tried on-site.
Located on the way to Dochula Pass, this is a great Thimphu tourist spot for those interested in the beer-making process, or beer culture in Bhutan.
Have we piqued your interested over any of these awesome things to do and places to visit in Thimphu? What do you intend to add to your Thimphu sightseeing itinerary? Are you excited to try out Bhutanese cuisine?
